Manuel Maria Gonzalez was only 23 years old when he founded and began his business of Growing, Aging and Exporting Wines from Jerez. From the very beginning he sought the guidance of his family and trusted colleagues.
One of these was Jose Angel de la Peña, his maternal uncle, who knew the art of creating Jerez wines and who was affectionately known as "Tio Pepe".
His uncle taught him the secrets of aging wine and producing the "flower" of sherry wines, which at that time was not exported and was enjoyed only locally or regionally. But "Tio Pepe" convinced his nephew Manuel Maria to dedicate himself to "Pale" wines which he was confident had a great future.
In 1844 Manuel Maria sent the first shipment of Tio Pepe to England, urging his agent and future partner Robert Blake Byass to try this "very very pale" wine which he had included in the latest shipment.
Years later, Manuel Maria dedicated a small bodega to his uncle which had direct access to the street and wrote on one of its casks in chalk "Solera del Tio Pepe". Jose Angel de la Peña´s friends began meet at the bodega and enjoy a taste of the wine of "Tio Pepe". Thus, the most famous brand in Spain and one of the most recognised wines in the world was born.
Tio Pepe was the first Registered Trademark in Spain and quickly gained recognition in all markets.
In 1935, with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bodegas, the head of marketing, Luis Perez Solero concieved and designed a series of icons for the wine, dressing each of the bottles with different types of clothing. "Tio Pepe", with a wide brimmed hat, red Andalusian jacket, arms akimbo and a Spanish guitar across his back, became an instant classic.
Since then the image of Tio Pepe has spanned the globe, providing the international image of the brand. It can be found in over 110 countries throughout the world and is probably the most recognised trademark in Spain.
The bottle dressed as Tio Pepe has been admired, painted and celebrated by artists and personalities the world over who consider it not only a symbol of Spain but also a work of art in itself which has captivated and given joy to millions of people. It is a symbol that produces a smile with just looking at it. Why not come and try some?
io Pepe: the universal Andalusian
An Andalusian with history
From 1835, José Ángel de la Peña, "Tio Pepe", tried to convince his nephew, Manuel Mª González Ángel, of the importance of creating sherry wines.
The first shipment of Tio Pepe to Britain was made in 1844. Mr. Byass was enthused by this "very very pale" wine. More
History
istory
io Pepe: the universal Andalusian
